2016 Ford F-150: clunking or noise when steering

Filed Jun 26, 2024 · Steering · TN

While driving after making a right turn steering wheel started whining then a loud popping noise then steering wheel starts jerking back and forth then locks on me without any warning lights coming on. I was going over 15 miles with cars behind me. Put on breaks to come to a complete stop and put the truck in park because the steering wheel had locked. Terrified!!! After turning the truck off and back on that’s when the light comes on about faulty steering. Thank God no one ran into the back of me.

Filed Jun 30, 2020 · Steering · 34,400 miles · LA

On my way to work took a left turn to the interstate on ramp and steering temporarily locked up/stuck in the turned position for a second or two and returned to normal the rest of the trip. At lunchtime operation was pretty normal except for slight handling difficulty. Backing out after work noticed a creaking/groaning noise as well as a popping noise felt thru the steering wheel. Pulled out onto highway and immediately noticed steering jerking (not pulling, drifting or wandering) left and right with slight bumps in the road and/or steering input. Pulled over at a gas station, turned the truck off for a few minutes and restarted with no change. Switched off traction control and it actually did improve some the rest of my drive home. Got home, parked, turned it off. 15 minutes later got in with my 6 year old son and 15 year old niece, pulled out onto highway and steering totally locked up mid turn. Luckily it was late in the afternoon and traffic was low and we were not completely blocking the road so traffic could go around. Was able to back onto shoulder and call a tow truck. Ford dealership found pscm not operating properly. Steering gear was replaced.

Filed Sep 16, 2019 · Electrical, Steering · 36,100 miles · FL

Have had this vehicle to dealer multiple times with complaint of hearing rattling under vehicle and in steering column along with noise from right front brake area. Also with complaints of vehicles wandering left and right on highway regardless of road crown. Have asked specifically to check the electric steering to ensure not faulty. All these complaints while still under original warranty. Today, two weeks after last visit, steering locks up while driving and I cannot turn the vehicle. Fortunately, I was on my property going slow and was able to stop safely. I was driving home and drove 30 miles on the interstate doing 70mph. Glad the steering did not freeze then. Shut the vehicle off and then restarted it and got the 'steering assist fault service required' on the cluster along with a bunch of other symbols. The sync screen came up and froze and could not be cleared nor was it responsive to any other selections on screen. I think this is an electrical issue with either the electric steering, a sensor or possible low or interrupted voltage. This vehicle has no voltage gauge for battery nor was there any indicator that warned of a low voltage issue when the steering wheel would not turn. Is the federal safety agency waiting for someone to be killed with this problem before it is investigated? I am waiting until monday when dealer opens to have them come get this vehicle. I am afraid to even attempt to do anything to it to drive it to dealer for service. I am uploading the latest service invoice for this issue. Dealer has consistently stated there was nothing wrong.

Filed Feb 3, 2019 · Steering · 28,000 miles · NY

Epas system exhibits wander on center when driving straight down highway making it hard to control and keep in lane. This happens with lkas off or on. Steering wheel has a clunk and excessive play between l & r inputs. Experience is symptomatic of a worn mechanical steering rack. Ford dealer claims it is normal, but my truck does not drive like other vehicles.

Filed Sep 22, 2016 · Steering · 2,200 miles · PA

My 2016 f-150 has intermittent steering and handling issues. I have had several instances of temporary loss of control on this vehicle. The most severe was when coming out of a gradual turn to the right at 65 MPH. When bringing the truck back straight, I felt something slide in the front axle and it felt as if the right wheel was falling off. The steering felt as if it wasn't connected during this episode, and the truck did not respond to my steering inputs. I have had several other similar events happen at all speeds from 20 MPH to 65 MPH. The steering also pulls to the right after turns and intermittently loses power assist. Sometimes the steering wheel can barely be turned with enormous effort, other times it feels slack and loose. The vehicle has been in the shop for this unsafe steering as well as a grinding noise coming from the right front 4wd hub. Three unsucessful repair attempts were made for the right 4wd hub, but no mention of the steering safety check I requested several times was ever made. Furthermore, the dealer and manufacturer has been non responsive to my request to get a ford rep involved to correctly fix my truck. I am uncertain whether the steering/ handling problem is caused by the defective 4wd hub or by the steering rack or column. Because I have experienced an increase in these steering events, and I deem the vehicle unsafe to drive, I have parked the truck since august 22nd.